Once upon a time, Jax , Florida but now somewhere in the Lakes Region of NH

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4,349

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Originally Posted by Dan

It may be time to blow up the first-line all together. If not, I think the change you may need to make is not on the LW, but with the guy on the right. Salvaggio has never been an elite goal scorer (last season and his senior year of HS, not withstanding). He and McNicholas do not have some undeniable chemistry that can’t be broken up. Their 2016-17 goal scoring was essentially a product of their third line-mate Tyler Kelleher. TK is gone, and there really aren’t any equal or equivalent talents on the current roster to plug into that spot…

Salvaggio wasn’t much of a goal scorer at the USHL level. He managed just 20 in 69 USHL games, before scoring 3 in his first 40 games at UNH. He has a hard shot, which is not particularly deceptive or accurate. When he plays with a transcendent playmaker he can finish off a lot of open looks, but without a TK or AP on this team, he isn’t going to approach another 20-goal season. Additionally, he is always looking to score and is just not the type of player who will ever do much in the way of creating scoring chances for his linemates (outside of rebound opportunities). Pairing him with a couple of passing playmakers who can’t do much to create for themselves and don’t draw a lot of defensive coverage, may not be a very good fit for anybody…

You can read many threads on this board and find fan-bases upset about their coaches’ constant line-up tinkering. It’s just as frustrating, at least to me, to watch Umile line up trios for the exhibition game and run them out there together most of the season, regardless of result (aside from injuries forcing his hand). It’s time to mix it up. And for me that starts with breaking up the two seniors. The team doesn’t really have a single pure goal-scorer/sniper on the roster and that’s a problem, but here’s what I’d try…

----

BVR – McNicholas – Grasso

* While Grasso was more of a playmaker in the USHL, he did score 20+ in his final season in the league and 20 more last year. BVR was a goal scorer in junior hockey, posting two 20+ goal campaigns. This line pairs two potential goal scorers (as opposed to one) with the team’s best playmaker. BVR and Grasso are also capable passers who can create some chances for McNicholas that Salvaggio wouldn’t…

Salvaggio – Blackburn – Kelleher

* This line gives you a nose-for-the-net type in Salvaggio, a pass-first playmaker in Kelleher and a well-rounded, creative offensive center in Blackburn. Blackburn could be the shifty center needed to get Salvaggio going, and as a threat to score in his own right might draw a lot of attention off of #10. Additionally, he should work well with Kelleher as they make plays for each other.

Nazarian – Vela – Fregona

* Without elite scoring options, this team needs depth. You can coach the forwards to be defensively responsible – as they did well at the beginning of the year. You cannot coach them to score goals. Miller on the third line limits its chances to add depth scoring. I’d rather pair a couple of fast, shifty buzzing wings with a tough center who can go to the net for screens and rebounds and do the dirty work to win pucks. Vela can play that role and does have the skill to catch fire and become the offensive threat we’ve always thought he was. Once Fregona gets a chance to contribute to the offense, I expect he will. Nazarian brings a little bit of everything.

Miller – Cefalu - MacAdams

* This is a group with limited offensive ability, but one that will skate hard and forecheck. Hopefully, they can bring energy and transition the puck up ice, limiting opponents zone time and making them work hard in their own end.

Interesting! Wow, I never thought about that first line combo you came up with; makes perfect sense if you ask me! In the short time I've been following I do remember a season where there the top line was mixed up on a few occasions then it would settle down and seem to 'work'. The Goumas, Sorkin, Willows line comes to mind (only reference I have!). Took a few games to finally hit it right and there it was. So I think you have to do something at this point as far as the top line goes at least try it out. The 'Cats are far enough into the season to see what's working/what's not. There's a lot of talent out there but the goals aren't coming (and I do understand how the injuries were a big factor) as of late so....

Put skaters together who truly compliment one another all offering strengths the other can benefit from and vice versa. I think if you're switching lines all the time that can get frustrating but right now is a good time to try something else, not later. Pots....I was just talking about him with other fans at the 'Whitt. What a great player and a great line with he, TyK, and Dan C. (See, I'm reminiscing!)

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Originally Posted by Dan

It may be time to blow up the first-line all together. If not, I think the change you may need to make is not on the LW, but with the guy on the right. Salvaggio has never been an elite goal scorer (last season and his senior year of HS, not withstanding). He and McNicholas do not have some undeniable chemistry that can’t be broken up. Their 2016-17 goal scoring was essentially a product of their third line-mate Tyler Kelleher. TK is gone, and there really aren’t any equal or equivalent talents on the current roster to plug into that spot…

Salvaggio wasn’t much of a goal scorer at the USHL level. He managed just 20 in 69 USHL games, before scoring 3 in his first 40 games at UNH. He has a hard shot, which is not particularly deceptive or accurate. When he plays with a transcendent playmaker he can finish off a lot of open looks, but without a TK or AP on this team, he isn’t going to approach another 20-goal season. Additionally, he is always looking to score and is just not the type of player who will ever do much in the way of creating scoring chances for his linemates (outside of rebound opportunities). Pairing him with a couple of passing playmakers who can’t do much to create for themselves and don’t draw a lot of defensive coverage, may not be a very good fit for anybody…

You can read many threads on this board and find fan-bases upset about their coaches’ constant line-up tinkering. It’s just as frustrating, at least to me, to watch Umile line up trios for the exhibition game and run them out there together most of the season, regardless of result (aside from injuries forcing his hand). It’s time to mix it up. And for me that starts with breaking up the two seniors. The team doesn’t really have a single pure goal-scorer/sniper on the roster and that’s a problem, but here’s what I’d try…

----

BVR – McNicholas – Grasso

* While Grasso was more of a playmaker in the USHL, he did score 20+ in his final season in the league and 20 more last year. BVR was a goal scorer in junior hockey, posting two 20+ goal campaigns. This line pairs two potential goal scorers (as opposed to one) with the team’s best playmaker. BVR and Grasso are also capable passers who can create some chances for McNicholas that Salvaggio wouldn’t…

Salvaggio – Blackburn – Kelleher

* This line gives you a nose-for-the-net type in Salvaggio, a pass-first playmaker in Kelleher and a well-rounded, creative offensive center in Blackburn. Blackburn could be the shifty center needed to get Salvaggio going, and as a threat to score in his own right might draw a lot of attention off of #10. Additionally, he should work well with Kelleher as they make plays for each other.

Nazarian – Vela – Fregona

* Without elite scoring options, this team needs depth. You can coach the forwards to be defensively responsible – as they did well at the beginning of the year. You cannot coach them to score goals. Miller on the third line limits its chances to add depth scoring. I’d rather pair a couple of fast, shifty buzzing wings with a tough center who can go to the net for screens and rebounds and do the dirty work to win pucks. Vela can play that role and does have the skill to catch fire and become the offensive threat we’ve always thought he was. Once Fregona gets a chance to contribute to the offense, I expect he will. Nazarian brings a little bit of everything.

Miller – Cefalu - MacAdams

* This is a group with limited offensive ability, but one that will skate hard and forecheck. Hopefully, they can bring energy and transition the puck up ice, limiting opponents zone time and making them work hard in their own end.

I like the idea of trying something new with the lines.

But, I would like to see the BvR-Blackburn-Grasso line back together again every night; over the last 7 games, they are 2-3, 3-2, and 0-3 in goals/assists, which does not sound that great, but it would be a lot better than any other line combination over that time frame. Maybe move Nazarian (3-2) up to the first line with McNicholas (1-4) and Kelleher (0-2)? The, Salvaggio-Vela-Fregona on the third line?

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Originally Posted by Dan

It may be time to blow up the first-line all together. If not, I think the change you may need to make is not on the LW, but with the guy on the right. Salvaggio has never been an elite goal scorer (last season and his senior year of HS, not withstanding). He and McNicholas do not have some undeniable chemistry that can’t be broken up. Their 2016-17 goal scoring was essentially a product of their third line-mate Tyler Kelleher. TK is gone, and there really aren’t any equal or equivalent talents on the current roster to plug into that spot…

Salvaggio wasn’t much of a goal scorer at the USHL level. He managed just 20 in 69 USHL games, before scoring 3 in his first 40 games at UNH. He has a hard shot, which is not particularly deceptive or accurate. When he plays with a transcendent playmaker he can finish off a lot of open looks, but without a TK or AP on this team, he isn’t going to approach another 20-goal season. Additionally, he is always looking to score and is just not the type of player who will ever do much in the way of creating scoring chances for his linemates (outside of rebound opportunities). Pairing him with a couple of passing playmakers who can’t do much to create for themselves and don’t draw a lot of defensive coverage, may not be a very good fit for anybody…

You can read many threads on this board and find fan-bases upset about their coaches’ constant line-up tinkering. It’s just as frustrating, at least to me, to watch Umile line up trios for the exhibition game and run them out there together most of the season, regardless of result (aside from injuries forcing his hand). It’s time to mix it up. And for me that starts with breaking up the two seniors. The team doesn’t really have a single pure goal-scorer/sniper on the roster and that’s a problem, but here’s what I’d try…

----

BVR – McNicholas – Grasso

* While Grasso was more of a playmaker in the USHL, he did score 20+ in his final season in the league and 20 more last year. BVR was a goal scorer in junior hockey, posting two 20+ goal campaigns. This line pairs two potential goal scorers (as opposed to one) with the team’s best playmaker. BVR and Grasso are also capable passers who can create some chances for McNicholas that Salvaggio wouldn’t…

Salvaggio – Blackburn – Kelleher

* This line gives you a nose-for-the-net type in Salvaggio, a pass-first playmaker in Kelleher and a well-rounded, creative offensive center in Blackburn. Blackburn could be the shifty center needed to get Salvaggio going, and as a threat to score in his own right might draw a lot of attention off of #10. Additionally, he should work well with Kelleher as they make plays for each other.

Nazarian – Vela – Fregona

* Without elite scoring options, this team needs depth. You can coach the forwards to be defensively responsible – as they did well at the beginning of the year. You cannot coach them to score goals. Miller on the third line limits its chances to add depth scoring. I’d rather pair a couple of fast, shifty buzzing wings with a tough center who can go to the net for screens and rebounds and do the dirty work to win pucks. Vela can play that role and does have the skill to catch fire and become the offensive threat we’ve always thought he was. Once Fregona gets a chance to contribute to the offense, I expect he will. Nazarian brings a little bit of everything.

Miller – Cefalu - MacAdams

* This is a group with limited offensive ability, but one that will skate hard and forecheck. Hopefully, they can bring energy and transition the puck up ice, limiting opponents zone time and making them work hard in their own end.

Fair enough, and perhaps a total remake is what we need, but we all know that isn't going to happen. Old habits and strategies die hard.
TK was a one of a kind player. He was in part so successful because he could not be defended with a plan. He was always free-skating all over the ice looking to create space for himself or his line mates. That drove this thread crazy in the early part of last year and i for one come on here to defend what I said was a true talent and unique player. His line mates had to learn how to fill that space effectively and as much as possible figure out how to be in the right spot at the right time.

As we saw they were able to adjust and we had ourselves one heck of a first line....offensively, with TK able and willing to skate it out. iIdefinitely feel that there are more goals to be had then the current configurations are providing.

Once upon a time, Jax , Florida but now somewhere in the Lakes Region of NH

Posts

4,349

Originally Posted by After the Whistle

Fair enough, and perhaps a total remake is what we need, but we all know that isn't going to happen. Old habits and strategies die hard.
TK was a one of a kind player. He was in part so successful because he could not be defended with a plan. He was always free-skating all over the ice looking to create space for himself or his line mates. That drove this thread crazy in the early part of last year and i for one come on here to defend what I said was a true talent and unique player. His line mates had to learn how to fill that space effectively and as much as possible figure out how to be in the right spot at the right time.

As we saw they were able to adjust and we had ourselves one heck of a first line....offensively, with TK able and willing to skate it out. iIdefinitely feel that there are more goals to be had then the current configurations are providing.

You aren't kidding that TyK was/is a unique, special player.(a great player to be honest) ..and that's all I'm gonna say about that. I'd frankly be surprised if we see any line changes short of Grasso for Kelleher and vice versa. Remains to be seen!! Speaking of Tyler Kelleher:

Once upon a time, Jax , Florida but now somewhere in the Lakes Region of NH

Posts

4,349

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

In today's presser Coach Umile confirms everyone (with the exception of Sacco) will be playing which of course means Eiserman! Some mention of line variations with the addition of him but nothing specific. He was upbeat about the upcoming weekend, trying not to look beyond them with Providence looming. (his words) They also interviewed Liam Blackburn and one other player (missed that part) about drills they had been doing, working on scoring, etc.

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Originally Posted by Snively65

I like the idea of trying something new with the lines.

But, I would like to see the BvR-Blackburn-Grasso line back together again every night; over the last 7 games, they are 2-3, 3-2, and 0-3 in goals/assists, which does not sound that great, but it would be a lot better than any other line combination over that time frame. Maybe move Nazarian (3-2) up to the first line with McNicholas (1-4) and Kelleher (0-2)? The, Salvaggio-Vela-Fregona on the third line?

If Eiserman is apparently back, I would like to see:
1) Nazarian-McNicolas-Kelleher
2) BvR-Blackburn-Grasso
3) Salvaggio-Vela-Eiserman
4) Miller-Fregona-MacAdams

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Here would be my lineup. I'm going by numbers only since I am on my phone.

22-17-23
7-26-20
10-11-12
25-13-19

Here is the reason I bump McNick down. He is absolutely awful on the faceoff. Vela and Blackburn are the only two consistent winners we have in the circle. In my opinion a lot of the issues that first line is having stem from lack of initial possession. If you waste half of your shift trying to get the puck in your defensive zone, what kind of opportunities are you going to create?

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Originally Posted by deltabravo62

Here would be my lineup. I'm going by numbers only since I am on my phone.

22-17-23
7-26-20
10-11-12
25-13-19

Here is the reason I bump McNick down. He is absolutely awful on the faceoff. Vela and Blackburn are the only two consistent winners we have in the circle. In my opinion a lot of the issues that first line is having stem from lack of initial possession. If you waste half of your shift trying to get the puck in your defensive zone, what kind of opportunities are you going to create?

I cannot remember if you were here for the FOW wars a couple of years ago, DB62? These were only surpassed by the SOG wars.

I'm surprised Blackburn's pct is so low. My sense was going by how I saw things happening in the games. Not surprised that Cefalu is high up there either, he just has less faceoffs in the game so I have not noticed as much.

If Eiserman is apparently back, I would like to see:
1) Nazarian-McNicolas-Kelleher
2) BvR-Blackburn-Grasso
3) Salvaggio-Vela-Eiserman
4) Miller-Fregona-MacAdams

I think I’d reorder them 2, 3, 1, 4. I would definitely trade out Miller for Cefalu. That combination has looked good every time they’ve been together.
As for not posting much, I don’t want 1932 to yell at me for being too negative. 😉

I think I’d reorder them 2, 3, 1, 4. I would definitely trade out Miller for Cefalu. That combination has looked good every time they’ve been together.
As for not posting much, I don’t want 1932 to yell at me for being too negative. 😉

I am somewhat surprised that we did not hear from 1932 immediately following our 5-0-0 start.